What is the scientific name of the dragonfly?

A:

Quick Answer

The dragonfly's scientific name is Anisoptera, from the phylum Arthropoda, class Insecta and order Odonata, and it's best known for its beautiful coloring and sparkling wings. There are 5,000 individual species of dragonfly worldwide, many of which are classified as threatened due to dwindling numbers.

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Dragonflies are generally found near swampy areas or lakes where they lay their larvae. The dragonfly and its young are carnivores, with adult dragonflies feasting mainly on flies, mosquitoes, bees and small invertebrate insects, while the larvae of the dragonfly feed on aquatic insects and insect eggs found on the water. Dragonflies lay eggs in or around water, hatching into nymphs that live just below the surface of the water and use their extendable jaws to catch food. The dragonfly is natural prey for a variety of reptiles, birds and fish.